When SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro launched in late 2018 at $169, it entered a market dominated by Ring. Fast forward to late 2021, when Google released the Nest Doorbell Battery at $179, introducing a hybrid power approach that changed the game. These devices represent two different philosophies in home security - traditional wired reliability versus modern flexibility.
Let's break down what makes these smart doorbells tick. Both devices combine a camera, microphone, speaker, and motion sensors into a compact package that replaces your traditional doorbell. But their approaches differ significantly in several key areas.
The SimpliSafe Pro requires existing doorbell wiring (8-24V AC), which provides consistent power but limits installation options. If you've got the wiring, installation takes about 15 minutes. The included mounting wedges help adjust viewing angles, which is crucial for optimal coverage.
The Nest Battery can run wirelessly for 2-6 months per charge, depending on activity levels and settings. You can also wire it like traditional doorbells, giving you the best of both worlds. This flexibility comes at the cost of slightly reduced video quality when running on battery to conserve power.
Resolution tells only part of the story. SimpliSafe's 1080p HDR camera delivers consistently sharp images with its 162° field of view. The HDR (High Dynamic Range) processing helps balance bright and dark areas, crucial when your porch is backlit by bright sunlight.
Nest takes a different approach with its 960p resolution and 145° viewing angle. While the numbers seem lower, Google's advanced image processing often produces more natural-looking footage. The slightly narrower field of view actually helps reduce fisheye distortion common in doorbell cameras.
Here's where things get interesting. SimpliSafe uses a dual-sensor approach:
Nest relies heavily on AI:
The SimpliSafe doorbell works best within its own ecosystem:
The Nest doorbell excels at integration:
Both doorbells perform well in daylight, but differences emerge in challenging conditions:
SimpliSafe Pro:
Nest Battery:
After extensive testing, both systems handle motion detection differently:
SimpliSafe's dual-sensor approach:
Nest's AI-powered detection:
SimpliSafe:
Nest:
Both devices have proven reliable over their years on the market. SimpliSafe's wired approach eliminates battery concerns but depends on your home's electrical system. Nest's battery option provides backup during power outages but requires periodic charging.
Both doorbells handle weather well, operating from -4°F to 104°F (-20°C to 40°C). SimpliSafe's wired design means no worries about battery performance in extreme temperatures, while Nest's battery life can decrease significantly in cold weather.
Both the SimpliSafe Pro and Nest Battery represent excellent choices for different users. SimpliSafe offers superior video quality and reliable detection in a traditional wired package. Nest provides more flexibility and smarter features with its hybrid power approach. Your choice should ultimately depend on your existing smart home setup, installation preferences, and specific security needs.
Remember that both companies regularly update their software, adding features and improving performance. While the hardware hasn't changed since release, the capabilities of these devices continue to evolve through software updates, making them both solid investments for home security.
| SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro | Google Nest Doorbell Battery |
|---|---|
| Resolution - Higher is better for identifying visitors and packages | |
| 1080p HD with HDR (clearer details in bright/dark areas) | 960p HD with HDR (slightly lower detail but good processing) |
| Field of View - Wider angles show more of your porch area | |
| 162° (captures more side-to-side visibility) | 145° (less distortion at edges) |
| Power Source - Affects installation flexibility and maintenance | |
| Wired only (8-24V AC required, no charging needed) | Battery or wired (2-6 months per charge, more flexible) |
| Motion Detection - Impacts false alert frequency | |
| Dual-sensor system with PIR + visual detection | AI-based with person/package/vehicle recognition |
| Night Vision - Critical for 24/7 monitoring | |
| Infrared LED with automatic switching | Infrared LED with HDR night mode |
| Storage Options - Affects ongoing costs | |
| Cloud only, requires $4.99/month minimum | 3 hours free, $6/month for 30 days storage |
| Smart Home Integration - Important for ecosystem compatibility | |
| Limited (SimpliSafe ecosystem, basic Alexa/Google) | Extensive (Full Google Home ecosystem) |
| Installation Requirements - Consider existing setup | |
| Requires existing doorbell wiring and chime | Battery option works anywhere, can use existing wiring |
| Weather Resistance - Durability in elements | |
| -4°F to 104°F, weather-sealed | -4°F to 104°F, weather-sealed |
| Price - Initial investment | |
| $169 (wiring required) | $179 (more flexible installation) |
The SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro offers better video quality at 1080p, while the Google Nest Doorbell Battery provides more installation flexibility. For pure video performance, SimpliSafe edges out, but Nest offers better smart home integration.
The SimpliSafe Pro requires existing doorbell wiring (8-24V AC). The Nest Battery can work either wired or wireless, making it more versatile for homes without existing wiring.
The SimpliSafe Video Doorbell Pro at 1080p provides clearer detail for package monitoring. However, the Nest Doorbell has specialized package detection AI that can automatically notify you when deliveries arrive.
Yes - the Nest Doorbell integrates directly with Chromecast for easy TV viewing. The SimpliSafe Pro requires additional steps through Alexa or Google Assistant to display on TVs.
Both offer infrared night vision, but the SimpliSafe Pro maintains its full 1080p resolution at night. The Nest Battery may reduce quality to conserve power when running on battery.
SimpliSafe starts at $4.99/month for video recording. Nest Aware begins at $6/month for 30-day history. Both offer premium tiers with additional features.
The SimpliSafe Pro uses dual-sensor technology combining heat and visual detection. The Nest Doorbell employs AI-powered detection that can distinguish between people, packages, and vehicles.
The Nest Battery Doorbell typically lasts 2-6 months per charge, depending on activity levels and settings. The SimpliSafe Pro doesn't require charging as it's hardwired.
Yes, both the SimpliSafe Pro and Nest Doorbell offer live viewing through their respective apps. The Nest integrates better with smart displays and TVs for convenient monitoring.
Both operate from -4°F to 104°F, but the SimpliSafe Pro maintains consistent performance being hardwired. The Nest Battery may experience reduced battery life in extreme cold.
The Nest Doorbell offers broader smart home compatibility, especially within the Google ecosystem. The SimpliSafe Pro works best within SimpliSafe's ecosystem with limited third-party integration.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: trustedreviews.com - jeffgeerling.com - security.org - support.simplisafe.com - security.org - simplisafe.co.uk - consumerreports.org - bestbuy.com - support.simplisafe.com - simplisafe.com - simplisafe.com - safehome.org - youtube.com - build.com - safehome.org - bestbuy.com - security.org - aesindianamarketplace.com - googlenestcommunity.com - abt.com - ny.home.myorustore.com - support.google.com - target.com
